Referees' chief comes to Riley's defence

The man responsible for the standard of referees in the Premiership today leapt to the defence of Mike Riley, who has faced severe criticism in the aftermath of Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Keith Hackett, England's refereeing manager, insists Riley did a good job in a very volatile atmosphere.

"We know this is one of the tough encounters of the season," he said. "Mike clearly had a game plan to try not to suppress the match. In the back of his mind he was trying to get through a game without having a blow-up. Mike did extremely well to keep a lid on things."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and captain Patrick Vieira questioned Riley's impartiality. They claimed he got it wrong with his decision to award United a penalty for Sol Campbell's foul on Wayne Rooney.

There was also anger at Riley's failure to punish Ruud van Nistelrooy for his tackle on Ashley Cole. The Football Association have now charged the Dutchman on the basis of television evidence and he faces a three-match ban.

Riley is also reported to have missed the tunnel clash after the match at Old Trafford which ended with Sir Alex Ferguson covered in food and an Arsenal official with a bloodied nose.

Hackett said: "Mike wanted it [the match] to breathe and perhaps went in with the intention of getting through the game without having to dismiss any players."